You're roaming through the lush, rain-slicked forests of Iga, and suddenly the clashing of katanas stops. The air changes. If you’ve been playing Assassin's Creed Shadows, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s that moment when the legendary samurai Yasuke isn't just a force of nature on the battlefield, but a man looking for a connection in a country that often treats him like a curiosity.
Honestly, the yasuke assassin's creed romance system is a lot deeper than what we saw in Valhalla or Odyssey. It’s not just a "press X to flirt" button anymore. Ubisoft actually tried to weave these relationships into the political turmoil of the Sengoku period.
The Reality of Romance for a Legendary Samurai
Let’s get one thing straight: Yasuke isn’t just some blank slate for the player. He's a real historical figure, and the game respects that weight. But because he’s an outsider, his romance options feel different than Naoe’s. While she’s dealing with local shinobi politics, Yasuke’s journey is about finding where he belongs.
You’ve got four main options. Each one hits a different vibe.
Lady Oichi: The Star-Crossed Tragedy
This is the big one. If you’re looking for high drama, Lady Oichi is your go-to. She’s Oda Nobunaga’s sister, which makes the whole thing incredibly messy. Yasuke is Nobunaga’s most trusted sword, so falling for his sister is basically the definition of "it's complicated."
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To get this started, you have to spare her during "The Wheel Unmasked." If you kill her, well, obviously the romance is off. But if you play your cards right, you end up on Okishima, the island of cats. Yeah, a cat island. It’s peak Assassin's Creed. You even get a dog named Fuji-maru for your hideout if you follow this path.
Ibuki: The Non-Binary Connection
Ibuki is a ronin you meet during the "Ambush Interrupted" quest in Iga. What’s cool here is how the relationship develops. Ibuki actually starts off hating Yasuke because of his ties to Nobunaga’s army.
You have to put in the work. It’s not a one-and-done conversation. You’ve got to gather blue anemone seeds for them in the "Putting Down Roots" quest. It feels more grounded and earned than some of the other flings in the game.
The Full List of Yasuke’s Partners
If you're trying to track everyone down, here's who's eligible for the big guy:
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- Lady Oichi: The noblewoman with the heaviest story weight.
- Ibuki: The free-spirited ronin who needs some convincing.
- Hori Hidemasa: A fellow samurai. This is a shorter, more respect-based romance. You finish his "The Betrayers" questline and choose the "Meeting you was my reward" dialogue.
- Rin: A skilled archer who asks Yasuke for training. This one is unique because it spans three different seasons. You actually have to wait for the world to change before the next part of her quest triggers.
Can Yasuke and Naoe Actually Get Together?
I see this question everywhere. People want the "enemies to lovers" trope between the two protagonists.
Basically, no.
Ubisoft’s game director, Charles Benoit, was pretty open about this in interviews. He said it felt "weird" to have players romance themselves since you swap between both characters. In the game, they have plenty of chemistry—there’s a lot of teasing by the campfire—but they ultimately decide to stay allies. Naoe even tells him at one point that being his lover would be "too complicated."
The "Canon Mode" Trap
If you’re wondering why your heart icons aren't appearing, you might have Canon Mode turned on.
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Look, Canon Mode is great for purists who want the "official" version of history, but it locks all dialogue choices. That means no romance. If you want to experience the yasuke assassin's creed romance options, you have to play in the standard mode where you have control over his personality.
How to Close the Deal
The system works on a "points" basis, but it’s hidden. You don’t see a bar filling up. You just need to look for the heart icon in the dialogue wheel.
Usually, there’s a lead-up quest, a recruitment phase (for characters like Ibuki), and then a final "climax" scene. After you finish a romance, you usually get a keepsake for your bedroom in the Hideout. Rin gives you a portrait; Ibuki gives you a flower. It’s a nice touch that makes the world feel like it actually remembers what you did.
If you’re just starting out, my advice is to prioritize the "The Wheel Turns" questline for Oichi as soon as it pops up. It’s easily the most fleshed-out narrative arc Yasuke has outside of the main assassination targets. Just remember: you can romance multiple people at once, but if you commit to a "forever" relationship with certain characters, others might get a bit cold toward you at the Hideout.
To make sure you don't miss anything, keep an eye on your Objectives board in the main menu. Any character that shows up there after a quest is usually a candidate for a deeper relationship. Go to the Merchant’s Quarters in Azuchi or the hills of Iga and start talking. The Sengoku period is a bloodbath, so you might as well find someone to share a sake with while you can.
Next Steps for Your Playthrough:
- Check your settings to ensure Canon Mode is disabled.
- Complete the "Ambush Interrupted" quest in Iga to recruit Ibuki to your League.
- Progress the Omi arc until you reach "The Wheel Unmasked" to decide Lady Oichi’s fate.